Abbott rolls out endorsements from 12 Democratic sheriffs in border counties as early voting opens

Gov. Greg Abbott opened early voting Monday by announcing the support of 12 Democratic sheriffs, most from counties along or near the Texas-Mexico border, The Texas Tribune reported.

The sheriffs serve Brewster, Brooks, Culberson, Dimmit, Duval, Jim Hogg, Kenedy, Presidio, Val Verde, Webb, Zapata and Zavala counties. Among them is Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar, whose brother is U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Laredo Democrat. Most of those counties are largely Hispanic, the Tribune noted, and Latino voters moved toward Republicans in 2024 while Democrats are working to win them back this year.

"I am honored to have the support of these 12 Democrat sheriffs," Abbott said in a statement, adding that sheriffs commit to protecting every Texan regardless of party.

Brooks County Sheriff Benny Martinez said in a statement that Abbott supported sheriffs and provided resources during what he called the border crisis. "Governor Abbott had our backs when we needed him," Martinez said.

The Tribune described the cross-party endorsements as notable for a governor who has largely courted his party's right wing, and said the race is his most competitive re-election contest yet, based on public polling.

The other side

Abbott has made law enforcement support a theme of his campaign, pointing to tighter bail laws, more state money for police and his border measures. He has called Democratic nominee Gina Hinojosa, a state representative, "soft on crime."

Hinojosa answered last month with an ad featuring law enforcement officers. "Abbott loves law enforcement on camera," one says in the ad. "Off camera, we are on our own." The ad also points to Abbott's threat in April to withhold nearly $200 million in public safety money from Texas cities over how they work with federal immigration officers, according to the Tribune.

The governor's race appears on every ballot in Celina, on both the Collin and Denton county sides. The early voting period ends Oct. 30; polls open for Election Day on Nov. 3.

Sources

The Texas Tribune